On Nov 20, 1:58*pm, "nom=de=plume" wrote:
"Frogwatch" wrote in message

...

Here is a thought experiment. *Start a business on less than $5000.
It has been said that to enjoy your work and be successful, you should
go into a business you enjoy. *Well, we are all boaters here,
so............
How often do you go to boat ramps and see 50 boat trailers sitting
empty the whole day while the boats are on the water? *How many of
those trailers need to have their hubs re-packed? *How many have
malfunctioning lights?
Get an old truck (already have one) and tools and grease and such and
go to the ramp at first light. *As people get in line to launch offer
to repack their hubs while the trailer sits there. *Offer to repair
trailer lights while it sits there. *You would have to do this by
credit card cuz most people will not have $50 on them but that is ok.
You might be able to fix trailer brakes while you are there.

I think it's possible, but it would be tight. They would be paying for your
services and the cost of parts. You can either stock a lot of parts or go
get them somewhat as needed, right? I'd suggest the latter mostly, since
that would reduce your inventory, but you'd likely have to have a bunch of
standard stuff. There are costs and hoops to jump through to accept credit
cards... not trivial, so that's worth investigating. You'll need a business
license and insurance, both for yourself and for any possible damage to
customers' stuff. You'd want to insist on a cash deposit, since you could
end up doing the work and not getting paid. If the generic cost if $50 (for
example - I have no idea what repacking would normally cost, etc.), your
deposit should approach 50% (say $20, which almost everyone would have).

I know one thing ... I'm very wary of is being approached and solicited
about buying something or other. You would need to look professional...
e.g., have a small stand or station, not just some guy in a beat up pickup
truck. Maybe it's a sign on the truck panels? Also, you would probably need
to get permission from the owner of the ramp... if it's private. If it's
public, then that might be tricky.

One thing you could do is to try it with people you know who have boat
trailers... see what they think and how much they would pay for it to be
done.

If you're serious about this, the best way to start is to create a detailed
business plan. You can find tools online for free or for low cost. It's
worth it, since it would quantify most aspects of your costs and expected
return on investment.

--
Nom=de=Plume

I'm thinking that the operator of the ramps is shortly going to have a
problem with this. Even if it's the local wildlife or state park
people. You're creating a liability. What if you get hurt doing
this? What if you damage another trailer that is not even one you are
working on? You're going to be asked to stop.